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Tips for installing a tunnel greenhouse

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blog - Astuces pour installer une serre-tunnel
blog - Astuces pour installer une serre-tunnel

There are different types of garden greenhouses including the tunnel greenhouse. Particularly appreciated by vegetable growers, the tunnel greenhouse is also within the reach of individuals.

What is a tunnel greenhouse?

Made of transparent plastic tarpaulin, armed or PVC, and metal frames, the tunnel greenhouse is the cheapest solution to protect your plants and crops. Made of large metal hoops on which is stretched a large transparent tarpaulin, armed or PVC, it is most often doubled to provide better insulation. The cover can also be lined with a bubble film, ideal for insulating your tunnel clamp.

Besides the price, the tunnel greenhouse has the advantage of being easily mounted and above all it can be moved from one place in the garden to another place in the blink of an eye. Obviously, the change of places can not be too frequent because the tunnel greenhouse remains fragile and would not withstand too many movements.

Friends gardeners, you who want to install a greenhouse in your garden, here are the steps to follow to install and maintain a greenhouse that lasts.

Calculation of dimensions and choice of materials

Before you buy the materials you need to make it and start the construction site, take a moment to think about the following:


Calculation of greenhouse dimensions 

The size of the tunnel greenhouse will of course depend on the space available in your garden and the budget you want to put in the project. A greenhouse is quickly full. Plan a greenhouse with slightly larger dimensions. In general, a minimum surface of 6m² is recommended because it allows to walk upright under the ridge line.


Choice of materials

  • Metal hoops
  • Metal arch doors
  • Sleepers or spacers
  • Shovel, screwdriver, wrench
  • A coating: a transparent tarpaulin armed or PVC standard or made to measure
  • Special tarpaulin fasteners
  • A good dose of elbow grease!


The price of a plastic tunnel greenhouse varies according to its dimensions. Count from 20 euros for a greenhouse of 1 m² and minimum 100 euros for a greenhouse of 6 m². The budget can fly up to 300 or 400 euros depending on the type of tarpaulin used, always for 6 m². A transparent armed tarpaulin is certainly a larger investment but has an external life of 10 to 15 years depending on the maintenance provided… Do your math!

Determine an ideal location

The location and orientation of your tunnel greenhouse are two fundamental criteria that you must carefully study. 

The ideal place to install your greenhouse would be: 

A sunny location

A location as sheltered as possible from gusts of wind: important if you want to find your entire greenhouse after the days of high wind

Oriented in the length to the south preferably: this way you avoid the shadow of the arches. A detail that has its importance!